UNOPS launches training to boost PSA oxygen plant operations for emergency preparedness

The 'Global Fund Emergency Response for Bangladesh,' in collaboration with the Government of Bangladesh and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), has launched a three-day training program aimed at enhancing the operation of Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) oxygen plants across the country. 

The training, which began today, is designed to prepare newly recruited staff to manage these oxygen plants, a vital resource for Bangladesh's healthcare system in times of emergency.

The initiative, led by the Communicable Disease Control (CDC) wing of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) and the National Malaria Elimination Program (NMEP), involves the construction of 29 PSA oxygen plants to supply medical-grade oxygen. The project, managed by UNOPS and funded by The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (GFATM), aims to strengthen the country's capacity to handle health crises by bolstering oxygen therapy infrastructure.

The training program, running from 8 to 10 October, combines theoretical and practical sessions, focusing on plant construction, equipment operation, safety protocols, and hands-on experience. Participants will gain the necessary skills to ensure the smooth operation and long-term sustainability of the PSA plants, which are now being set up in hospitals across Bangladesh.

"This initiative is a transformative step in enhancing our healthcare system's capacity to respond to critical emergencies. By equipping 29 hospitals with the capacity to generate oxygen on-site, we safeguard our future and strengthen our national healthcare infrastructure," said Dr. Sheikh Daud Adnan, Line Director, CDC, and Director of Disease Control, DGHS.

Dr Adnan also acknowledged the key contributions of UNOPS, the Global Fund, and other partners involved in the project, adding, "To the trainees, you are leading this mission. The skills you gain will enable you to operate these plants effectively, ensuring they are always ready to save lives."

Mr Infiyaz Hyder, Project Manager of UNOPS Bangladesh, emphasized the importance of sustainability in the project. "Our mission is not only to construct PSA plants but to ensure their long-term sustainability through comprehensive capacity-building training for dedicated staff and site operators," he said. "Together with the Government of Bangladesh, we are enhancing the ability of hospitals to respond rapidly and effectively to medical emergencies, saving lives in the process."